You are using an out-of-date version of the Internet Explorer web browser. For a better experience on our website, please use a different web browser or update your Internet Explorer to version 8 or higher. Click here for more information.

Itinerary for May 14 — May 23, 2013

Description: Palazzo Donizetti Hotel, named after the musician Giuseppe Donizetti who lived in Beyoglu in the times of the Ottoman Empire, is a new hotel.The building that was traditionally used as a guesthouse carries footsteps throughout the years, and lives today combining both elegance and comfort.Glorious Italian Carrera marbles, antique Italian venetian colors, stained glass lighting in addition to high ceilings with classic motifs and golden foils were used in the hotel. Palazzo Donizetti's 105 year old antique elevator also presents a nostalgic Beyoglu experience.

Description: Palazzo Donizetti Hotel, named after the musician Giuseppe Donizetti who lived in Beyoglu in the times of the Ottoman Empire, is a new hotel.The building that was traditionally used as a guesthouse carries footsteps throughout the years, and lives today combining both elegance and comfort.Glorious Italian Carrera marbles, antique Italian venetian colors, stained glass lighting in addition to high ceilings with classic motifs and golden foils were used in the hotel. Palazzo Donizetti's 105 year old antique elevator also presents a nostalgic Beyoglu experience.

Description: Palazzo Donizetti Hotel, named after the musician Giuseppe Donizetti who lived in Beyoglu in the times of the Ottoman Empire, is a new hotel.The building that was traditionally used as a guesthouse carries footsteps throughout the years, and lives today combining both elegance and comfort.Glorious Italian Carrera marbles, antique Italian venetian colors, stained glass lighting in addition to high ceilings with classic motifs and golden foils were used in the hotel. Palazzo Donizetti's 105 year old antique elevator also presents a nostalgic Beyoglu experience.

Morning: A presentation on Ottoman architecture serves as an introduction to your visit of the Mosque of Suleiman the Magnificent, the second-largest mosque of Istanbul. Visit the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, known as the Blue Mosque for its exquisite tiles. Built from 1609 - 1616, it is the largest and the the national mosque of Turkey.

Lunch: In a restaurant in the old city.

Afternoon: Continue to the Topkapi Palace, primary residence of the Ottoman Sultans for 400 years of their 600-year reign, from 1465 to 1853. At the height of its existence as a royal residence, the palace was home to as many as 4,000 people. The palace collections include Ottoman treasure, jewelry and the most holy relics of the Muslim world.

Dinner: On Nevizade Street, an alley of “meyhanes” popular with the locals.

Evening: Enjoy the vibrant local nightlife on the streets around your hotel.

Description: Palazzo Donizetti Hotel, named after the musician Giuseppe Donizetti who lived in Beyoglu in the times of the Ottoman Empire, is a new hotel.The building that was traditionally used as a guesthouse carries footsteps throughout the years, and lives today combining both elegance and comfort.Glorious Italian Carrera marbles, antique Italian venetian colors, stained glass lighting in addition to high ceilings with classic motifs and golden foils were used in the hotel. Palazzo Donizetti's 105 year old antique elevator also presents a nostalgic Beyoglu experience.

Description: Palazzo Donizetti Hotel, named after the musician Giuseppe Donizetti who lived in Beyoglu in the times of the Ottoman Empire, is a new hotel.The building that was traditionally used as a guesthouse carries footsteps throughout the years, and lives today combining both elegance and comfort.Glorious Italian Carrera marbles, antique Italian venetian colors, stained glass lighting in addition to high ceilings with classic motifs and golden foils were used in the hotel. Palazzo Donizetti's 105 year old antique elevator also presents a nostalgic Beyoglu experience.

Description: Palazzo Donizetti Hotel, named after the musician Giuseppe Donizetti who lived in Beyoglu in the times of the Ottoman Empire, is a new hotel.The building that was traditionally used as a guesthouse carries footsteps throughout the years, and lives today combining both elegance and comfort.Glorious Italian Carrera marbles, antique Italian venetian colors, stained glass lighting in addition to high ceilings with classic motifs and golden foils were used in the hotel. Palazzo Donizetti's 105 year old antique elevator also presents a nostalgic Beyoglu experience.

Morning: A guided visit explores a hidden gem - the Rustem Pasha Mosque, famous for its colorful 16th-century tiles, then move through the Spice Bazaar, on to the Grand Bazaar, where artisans sell their handcrafts, silver and jewelry. Hear a lecture on hand made carpets and learn more about this art.

Description: Palazzo Donizetti Hotel, named after the musician Giuseppe Donizetti who lived in Beyoglu in the times of the Ottoman Empire, is a new hotel.The building that was traditionally used as a guesthouse carries footsteps throughout the years, and lives today combining both elegance and comfort.Glorious Italian Carrera marbles, antique Italian venetian colors, stained glass lighting in addition to high ceilings with classic motifs and golden foils were used in the hotel. Palazzo Donizetti's 105 year old antique elevator also presents a nostalgic Beyoglu experience.

Morning: Depart to the Modern Art Museum for a discussion on Modern Turkey and its quest to become a member of the European Union. A guided visit of the museum follows. Then, board the local passenger ferry and cross to the Asian side of Istanbul.

Lunch: In the open kitchen of renowned Ciya restaurant, learn about Turkish regional cuisine then sample of variety of dishes.

Afternoon: Cross the Bosphorus Bridge back to the European side. Visit the modern, newly developed areas of Istanbul; Nisantasi and Etiler. Ascend the medieval Galata Tower, built in 1348, to take in the panoramic sunset views of the old city.

Description: Palazzo Donizetti Hotel, named after the musician Giuseppe Donizetti who lived in Beyoglu in the times of the Ottoman Empire, is a new hotel.The building that was traditionally used as a guesthouse carries footsteps throughout the years, and lives today combining both elegance and comfort.Glorious Italian Carrera marbles, antique Italian venetian colors, stained glass lighting in addition to high ceilings with classic motifs and golden foils were used in the hotel. Palazzo Donizetti's 105 year old antique elevator also presents a nostalgic Beyoglu experience.

Free Time Opportunities

Istanbul

Military Museum and Naval MuseumThe Naval Museum contains over 4,000 items including boats from the Ottoman period, plates written by famous scribes on naval matters, flags, maps including the Piri Reis maps and other objects from Turkish naval history. Approximately 10,000 weapons and armor belonging to Turks and other nations are displayed in the Military Museum. There are 17 different halls organized under the following categories: Weapons, Tents, Clothing, World War I, Republican Era, Canakkale Battles, War of Independence, Ataturk and Martyrs. The Turkish Military Band Mehter holds concerts from 3 to 4 p.m. when the museums are open. Open Wednesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission: 3 YTL.For additional information, visit: www.dzkk.tsk.mil.tr/muze/English/Ana_Sayfa.htm

Pera MuseumRecently opened museum housing a private family collection of old and contemporary Turkish art. Open Tuesday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday 12 p.m to 6 p.m. The museum is closed on Mondays. Entrance fee: Adults: 7 YTL. Discount for 60+ years old.

Turkish Bath (Galatasaray)No visit to Istanbul is ever complete without a visit to a Hamam, or Turkish Bath. Galatasaray Hamam is conveniently located close to the hotel. Open daily: For men: 5 a.m. to midnight, for women: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.For additional information, visit: www.atamanhotel.com/bath.html

Important information about your itinerary: Please know that while we do everything we can to finalize all aspects of our programs well in advance, there are logistics that occasionally must be altered. Our website will reflect the most recent information, and we are committed to providing you with final program details no later than eight weeks prior to the start of programs outside the U.S. and three weeks prior to the start of programs within the U.S. If you ever have questions about your program, please don't hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to assist you.

Need Help?

The latest in light, portable, easy-to-use QUIETVOX listening devices are available on Road Scholar programs.* Whether you are outdoors, in a crowd or in a museum environment where speaking loudly is discouraged, a listening device makes it feel like our experts are speaking clearly and directly to you. Hear for yourself on a Road Scholar adventure!

*Please note that due to the nature of some programs, the remote location or government regulations, listening devices may not be available. If you’d like to know for sure if your program will offer listening devices, just call and ask an Advisor!